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Lt. Governor Denish Officially Opens Rail Runner Service to Belen (Belen, 2-2-07) – Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish joined Transportation Secretary Rhonda Faught, Belen Mayor Ronnie Torres, and other elected officials this afternoon to officially open the Rail Runner service to Belen.
“I am pleased to be present to celebrate the new Rail Runner service to Belen which completes the administration’s commitment of Phase One,” Lt. Governor Denish said. “As New Mexico grows in the 21st century, we have made a solid investment with the Rail Runner to more efficiently move our residents and reduce pollution to our environment.” The lieutenant Governor also discussed the economic incentives for the City of Belen. “In addition we have provided a foundation for Belen and other local communities to build transit oriented businesses and new investment opportunities. The Rail Runner will pave the way for a journey towards a brighter future for all of New Mexico’s residents,” Lt. Governor Denish said. Service on the Rail Runner Express will now officially serve commuters between Bernalillo, Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Belen, completing the 50 miles of Phase One on the commuter line. Residents of Belen commuting on the Belen to Albuquerque line will receive free fares until April 1. “When we embarked on this mission over two years ago, we knew then we would make this journey to Belen,” Secretary Faught said. “With the addition of service to Belen today, the Rail Runner brings even more New Mexicans an extremely convenient form of transportation. Other states in the nation are looking upon us now with high regard; we have truly made significant history by bringing first class transportation to our citizens.” “This now provides an affordable transportation alternative for the people of Belen and Valencia County”, says Lawrence Rael, Executive Director of the Mid-Region Council of Governments. “This important link creates a stronger connection for Belen to the other communities in the region." Rail Runner is part of Governor Richardson’s Investment
Partnership (GRIP). GRIP is $1.6 billion transportation and
infrastructure initiative that is improving highways in New Mexico,
creating new modes of transportation like commuter rail and bus
services and providing local jobs. Contacts:
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